History

In 1941, a strong and visionary group of Jewish women established a special place for older members of Melbourne’s Jewish community.

Forming an organisation called The Mutual Help, these dedicated women worked around the clock to deliver food and provide care and companionship to the frail and elderly in their own homes while rallying tirelessly for community support.

In 1948, the group’s president, Emmy Monash, inspired benefactor Ernest Belsher Cohen to purchase an old boarding house on Dandenong Road, Caulfield. It soon became home to more than 20 elderly residents and a vital part of Jewish communal life.

Later renamed in honour of our inspirational founder, Emmy Monash Aged Care is now Melbourne’s leading Jewish aged care facility, accommodating more than 90 residents.

The provision of aged care has changed significantly over time, shaped by community need, new technology, government policy and advances in medical knowledge. Emmy Monash has continually adapted its services and accommodation to deliver the best possible experience.

Every step of the way, Melbourne’s Jewish community has been central to our success. As a result, we have won national awards for innovative activities and cultural programs.

In December 2011, Emmy Monash was allocated more residential care places in a new building at 7-9 Hawthorn Road. After more than two years of consultation, planning and development, the doors to Gandel House were opened in July 2016. Offering a greater scope of choice in residential accommodation including respite care, the new building boasts expanded community spaces, themed lifestyle rooms, landscaped courtyards, and the flexibility of function rooms with garden vistas. Gandel House sets a new benchmark in residential aged care in Melbourne.

In 2016, work also began on the refurbishment of the Dandenong Rd site, with the extensive upgrade and relocation of the now beautifully appointed Bierman Smorgon (Memory Support and High Dependency units) and EMA (independent living apartments). With a new front foyer, dining and lounge areas, café and gym, as well as upgraded electricals and connectivity that include automated doors and WIFI, our buildings are now seamlessly linked.

Emmy Monash continues to challenge the stereotype that quality of life diminishes with age and focusses strongly on positive aging. Social interaction, inter-generational involvement and valuable partnerships with industry leaders are geared to enrich residents’ lives, every day.